Dunkin’ is under fire for its new summer ad featuring actor Gavin Casalegno, just days after American Eagle’s campaign with Sydney Sweeney sparked backlash online. Both ads have drawn criticism for promoting narrow beauty standards, particularly around genetics.
Critics question “genetics” messaging
In the Dunkin’ ad, Casalegno confidently declares at the beginning, “This tan? Genetics. Just got my color analysis back, and guess what? Golden summer.”
Viewers were quick to point out that it could celebrate Eurocentric features. One user commented on TikTok, “Genuinely what does a drink have to do with genetics???” Another user celebrated, writing, “Yessss Dunkin!! We want to see more white attractive people.”
Even corporations are getting involved. Michaels Stores commented on their TikTok, “Dunkin… we have thoughts.”
Some also found the script unclear. Later in the ad, Casalegno adds, “Every time I drink a Dunkin’ Golden Hour refresher, it’s like the sun just finds me.”
On Instagram, one user wrote, “This copy is totally contradictory… It starts as genetics giving him his golden skin, but at the end says it’s due to the drink.”
Side-by-side backlash for brand campaigns
The controversy echoes the backlash American Eagle received after launching its denim campaign with Sydney Sweeney. Like Casalegno, Sweeney is white — an image that some critics said reinforces narrow beauty ideals.
In one ad, Sweeney says the traits she inherited through her “genes” make her feel confident, just before the camera pans toward her chest. She responds by quipping, “Hey! Eyes up here.”
Beyond the wordplay on “genes,” some critics took issue with how the American Eagle ad sexualizes Sweeney.
Campaigns become meme fuel
Online, the American Eagle campaign has become the subject of parody.
TikTok creators began mocking the Dunkin’ ad’s scripting and tone, sparking a wave of spoofs. One even reimagined the ad using a deepfake of Donald Trump. Another viral post showed a mock Levi’s commercial starring Beyoncé.
These parody ads suggest a growing online fatigue with brands using vague or aspirational language tied to identity, especially when the models shown all look the same.
The brand has not directly addressed the controversy. However, TMZ reports that internal polling shows 70% of viewers still find the ad appealing.
At the time of publication, neither brand has responded to Straight Arrow News’ request for comment.
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Author: Devin Pavlou
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